Reg: 11-20-2008
Posts: 157
Loc: greater denver, co
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Hi,
My GSD (3 months old) is not always so excited to go outside. When inside, he has plenty of energy (almost too much) but as soon as I open the door, he either lays down or gets out and lays down in front of the stairs (granted its 15 steep stairs, he may be unsure about getting down).
When on a walk, he often stops and looks and smells everywhere, and doesn't resume until I squat down at the end of the leash and call him. Let's just say it's far from the puppy behavior I saw in Ed's video "your puppy from 8 weeks to 8 months".
Once at the field he warms up and plays normally, but the getting out and walking part is a pain. Is this normal puppy behavior?
Also, can getting up these stairs each time we go out or go potty be too much and be detrimental to his hips?
Everything health wise is fine, and he eats very well.
Cease fire on the stairs. I'd carry him up and down for a few more months. I could be paranoid about that because my last dog (GSD) went dysplastic at about age 4, but in my mind, there are plenty of years ahead to learn how to negotiate stairs.
What's the climate like where you live? Is the environment radically different between inside your house and outside? This could be a factor if he's uncomfortable outside.
How long have you had the pup? If he's new to your home (within a week), he could still be freaked about his new pack arrangement.
Reg: 11-20-2008
Posts: 157
Loc: greater denver, co
Offline
Thanks Kurt,
I live in California, in the bay area. Temperature are pretty mild and inside/outside is pretty much the same except maybe in the morning.
I've had the pup for two weeks now. I must point out it is getting better. I also noticed that backtracking the same path results in a much better walk. Maybe he's still discovering his new surroundings?
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
Posts: 4203
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Wait a minute, other then being intimidated by the stairs if theres no health problems I wouldnt carry him. I'd encourage him. You dont want him jumping off but a 3 month old should be able to go up 15 stairs. It sounds like he's a little unsure and needs some help building his confidence.
I wouldn't worry too much. When we got our pup, she didn't want to leave the house. She would whine a little when we started leaving, but we just ignored it and told her "let's go" and gave little pops with a flat collar (treats are also nice to have ) and she learned the command pretty quick and learned to enjoy walks. I think it usually just goes away with age.
I kind of wonder if he was ever outside at the breeder(shelter?) or if lived in a cold place before you got him and doesn't like the heat? Just another thought...
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) and she learned the command pretty quick and learned to enjoy walks. I think it usually just goes away with age. 
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